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Flight Lieutenant
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Paul Davies-James writes: Bob Hutchison, known as "Hutch". Joined Institute: 1930. Left 1935. The name may not be familiar so I've added a photo. The uniform says he's in the RAF. The photo of the aircrew was taken in RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire on 16th May 1943. Hutch has his foot on the bottom of the ladder. Stepping into the Lancaster is Guy Gibson and in a few short hours, they'd be dropping their bouncing bomb toward the Mohne dam in the Ruhr Valley. If you've watched the film, the Dambusters, you may recall that the codeword for a successful breach was a word we don't / can't use anymore: "N****r", the name of Guy Gibson's dog. Hutch sent that code word Hutch didn't survive the war. He was killed just four months later in a raid on the Dortmund Ems canal. He's buried the Reichswald Forest Cemetery alongside the other crew from his aircraft. He was 25. |
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The following is an extract from Alan Clegg's book:
Robert Edward George Hutchison was born in Toxteth Park, Liverpool, on 26th April 1918.His Parents were Robert George Hutchison and Ada Louisa Hutchison (Née Hughes). He entered the Liverpool Institute in 1930 and left in 1935.
After leaving school he joined the principle accountant's office of the Mersey Docks and Harbour board. He enlisted in the RAFVR (service number 977611) at RAF Padgate recruit reception and initial training centre, Warrington on 6th January 1940 and trained as a wireless operator/air gunner. On 8th December 1941 he joined 106 Squadron at Coningsby in Licolnshire and on 20th April 1942 he was promoted to pilot officer (service number 120854) In August he became the wireless operator for Guy Gibson's crew in 106 Squadron and stayed in the crew for 16 operations. In February 1943 he completed a Tour of 30 missions and was awarded the DFC. The citation reads:
"Pilot Officer Robert Edward George HUTCHISON (120854), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 106 Squadron. This officer has flown on numerous operational sorties, including attacks on the majority of the enemy's most heavily defended targets; he also participated in daylight raids on Danzig, Le Creusot and Milan. One night in January 1943, he was detailed to attack Berlin. On the outward journey the electrical circuits in the mid- upper turret of his aircraft failed. With skill and determination Pilot Officer Hutchison repaired the defect although owing to the intense cold he was nearly unconscious by the time the repair was finished At all times this officer has set an outstanding example of courageous devotion to duty which has been an inspiration to his squadron."
When Guy Gibson was asked to set up a new squadron (617 Squadron) he asked Robert to come with him. Gibson was a hard taskmaster, but Robert and he appear to have got on and he accepted the offer. In his book "Enemy Coast Ahead", Gibson describes Robert as "one of those grand little Englishmen who have the guts of a horse."
On 20th April 1943 Robert was promoted to flight lieutenant and on 17th May 1943 he was part of Guy Gibson's crew in Lancaster AJ-G ('George') in the Dambuster attack on the Möhne Dam. On 28th May 1943 he was awarded a Bar to his DFC ('immediate' award) for his part in the mission.